The United States Constitution, adopted in 1787, established a political system founded on two key principles: the separation of powers and checks and balances. These mechanisms were designed to prevent any single entity from gaining excessive control, thereby safeguarding democracy.

Separation of Powers

This doctrine divides governmental authority into three distinct branches:

• Legislative (Congress): Responsible for creating and enacting laws.

• Executive (President): Tasked with implementing and enforcing laws.

• Judicial (Supreme Court): Interprets laws and ensures their alignment with the Constitution.

By allocating specific functions to each branch, the Constitution ensures that power is not concentrated in a single entity. 

Checks and Balances

To maintain equilibrium among the branches, the Constitution incorporates a system of checks and balances, allowing each branch to monitor and limit the others:

• Presidential Veto: The President can veto legislation passed by Congress, preventing it from becoming law unless overridden by a two-thirds majority in both houses.

• Judicial Review: The Supreme Court can declare laws or executive actions unconstitutional, nullifying their effect.

• Congressional Impeachment: Congress holds the power to impeach and remove the President or federal judges for misconduct.

This framework ensures that ambition is counteracted by ambition, as noted by James Madison, preventing any branch from overstepping its bounds. 

Over 230 years later, this system continues to function, underscoring the enduring strength of the Constitution in preserving democratic governance.